The Top 17 Sites For Sri Lankan Hill Country Tours

Venturing on one of the Sri Lankan Hill Country tours is the best way to experience the country’s interior regions. Geographic upheavals over millions of years have resulted in towering hills occupying a significant portion of the island’s center. The hilly highlands of Sri Lanka are a mysterious, historically significant, and religiously significant area, home to the left eye-tooth of Buddha, train tracks, and commercially significant tea bushes.

The most popular tourist destination on the island is its beaches, but the hilly country of Sri Lanka offers an even more alluring contrast. The best way to experience Sri Lanka’s breathtaking natural splendor upcountry is to go on one of the Sri Lankan Hill Country tours in and around that central highland.

One of the greatest ways to appreciate the natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country is by taking an upcountry rail trip, which is something that many tourists do every day. The train followed a spiraling railway track, cutting inch by inch through the verdant foliage. Its long march through the heart of Sri Lanka’s hilly region traverses through steep ravines, forested areas, waterfalls, perineal streams, dark tunnels, vegetable plots, and tea gardens.

Which hill region tour in Sri Lanka is the most well-liked?

One-day and two-day versions of the Sri Lankan Hill Country tours are among the numerous varieties that are offered. But among visitors to the island, Sri Lankan Hill Country tours are some of the most popular Sri Lanka trips.The 3-day Sri Lankan Hill Country tours gives visitors the chance to see a lot of Sri Lanka’s tourist places.

Itinerary for a 3-day Sri Lankan Hill Country tours

Day 1: Colombo > Kandy

Day 2: Kandy>>Pinnawala >>Nuwara Eliya

Day 3: Nuwara Eliya>>Kitulgala>>Colombo

Day 1: Sri Lankan Hill Country tours

A tour guide or a representative from Seerendipity Tours will meet you at the Bandaranaike International Airport and arrange for a transfer to Kandy.

Take part in a walking tour of Kandy‘s downtown in the afternoon. This city served as the last residence of the Sri Lankan kings before the British occupied it in 1815. Before the British took over, King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe was the last person to hold control over it. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from all over the world due to its rich history, legacy, and cultural attractions.

Kandy city tour

Explore the lively town center, home to a lapidary and gem museum, as well as a thriving market, top-tier shops, an arts and crafts center, and more. Head toward the Victoria Golf Course, which is among the best golf courses in the world and has a certain elegance and class of its own. Another option is to visit the Kandy Market and take a leisurely stroll among the brightly colored fresh produce and fruits that are on sale. The highlight of your evening will be walking to the rhythm of traditional drumming and music, which will be accentuated by a cultural presentation showcasing the vibrant and rich culture of Sri Lanka, sometimes referred to as the Wonder of Asia.

After that, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, a thriving national treasure. The gardens are only four miles from Kandy and feature the most welcoming amenities accessible. They were first planned as a pleasure garden during the royal family’s reign and were later expanded upon by the British. You will be able to experience a happy moment as you walk through well-kept lawns, pavilions, and an octagonal conservatory as you enter this 147-acre paradise. A broad expanse of well-manicured, deep green turf will welcome you and entice you to take a rest and engage in some exhilarating activities. One place to stop before visiting some of this location’s attractions is the café, which is located to the north of the entrance. The giant Javan fig tree and the Orchid House are two of these highlights; each has an air of grandeur and beauty all its own.

It is advised that you spend the evening in Kandy visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Discover more about Kandy’s fascinating past by visiting its crown jewel, a medieval shrine that houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Proceed to the auditorium, as you will be treated to an engaging cultural presentation following that.

You should return to the hotel after the day’s activities are over to unwind and have a delectable meal.

Staying the night in a Kandy hotel

Day 2: Sri Lankan Hill Country tours

Head to Nuwara Eliya as soon as you finish breakfast. Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on the way; as you get closer to the 25-acre facility, don’t be alarmed when you see baby elephants being bottle-fed or when you see them roaming freely and doing no harm to anybody else. The orphanage was founded to give Sri Lankan orphaned elephants a place to live in safety. It’s heartwarming to see how these gentle giants, some of whom are orphaned and some of whom only have three legs because of injuries, are taken care of. There are some that have just three legs.

Since its founding in 1975, this orphanage for elephants has given birth to over 20 calves. The fact that some of the orphanage’s elephants have survived to witness the birth of their “grandchildren” may surprise you!

Visitors can witness the lovely newborn elephants being fed milk at 1:15 in the afternoon and 9:15 in the morning. Every day at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, there are bath periods in the nearby river that are also highly recommended as they provide a plethora of unforgettable memories.

Travel onward to Nuwara Eliya, where you may check into your hotel and look forward to a filling dinner and a comfortable night’s sleep.

Spend the night in a Nuwara Eliya hotel

Day 3: Sri Lankan Hill Country tours

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, it’s time to explore Nuwara Eliya on foot.

The narrow, steep roads that zigzag through the beautiful green blankets of tea plants found in the cool weather serve as a constant reminder to visitors that they are near the well-known British colonial refuge of Nuwara Eliya. Once home to English and Scottish planters, the “City of Light” is still home to one of the best 18-hole golf courses in the world, colonial houses, and hedgerows. This enhances the overall English countryside feel of the place. Hikers should be rewarded with breathtaking views of the bustling settlement below after making their way through the lush grass and along the hamlet’s stone walls in the countryside.

Climb on a rattlesnake that is hissing and smoking as it passes through the verdant valleys of the hill country, which are populated with tea pickers wearing vibrantly colored saris and divided by several waterfalls. Even better, you may rent a bike and take a leisurely spin around Lake Gregory’s perimeter while getting splashed by the waves.

When your tour comes to an end, you will be driven via Kitulgala to a beach resort

Kitulgala

Kitulgala, one of the wettest areas, receives two monsoons a year. The popular movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai” was a noteworthy event in the calendars of nations around the world. Kitulgala is the place to go if you’re looking for excitement around Colombo!

Gather your equipment and brace yourself for an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure as the river roars downstream, causing splashes and spills everywhere. After bouncing from rock to rock upstream for an incredible waterfall leap that should stretch your voice to its limit, slide down into the darkest tunnels that are home to millions of bats. If you’re not the kind of person who gets their kicks from extreme adventure, all it takes to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the woods is a leisurely stroll down a well-traveled trail.

What forty tourism destinations in Sri Lanka are must-sees for vacationers?

Historical City of Anuradhapura
The historic city of Polonnaruwa
Golden Temple of Dambulla
Beaches and Galle Fort
Kandy’s botanical gardens, tea gardens, and temples
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Temples and beaches in Trincomalee
Fort Jaffna and Hindu shrines
Shopping in Colombo
Temple of Kataragama
Bentota Beach
Beach at Arugam Bay
The beach at Batticaloa
Beach Beruwala
Beach Kalutara
Hambantota
Hikkaduwa
Kalkudah
Kalpitiya
Mirissa
Negombo
Nilaveli
Pasikuidah
Unawatuna
Horton Heights
Bundala National Park
Yala National Park
Park Udawalawe National
Range of Knuckles Mountains
National Park Minneriya
Sinharaja Natural Reserve
National Park of Wilpattu
Estuary of the Madu River
Kitulgala
Ella
Adams’ zenith
The Ratnapura
Nuwara Eliya
Elephant orphanage in Pinnawala
Bandarawela

Where is the hill country of Sri Lanka?

The hilly region of Sri Lanka is found in the center of the island and is the product of massive geological upheaval spanning millions of years. Geologists also claim that mountains are still developing and that seismic activity is still occurring. The middle mountain range, which stretches 65 kilometers from north to south, acts as a wall dividing the eastern and western plains.

Known as the Central Highlands, the mountain primarily dominates the south-central region of the island; this untamed landscape is Sri Lanka’s hottest. The largest number of mountains in Sri Lanka may be found on its high plateau, which is occupied by the southernmost point of the country (Pidurutalagala, at 2,524 meters).

The hilly terrain of Sri Lanka is largely covered in tea plantations. Slender women dressed in vibrant, beautiful clothes dash among the tea bush hilly topping occasionally to pluck the delicate leaves. Similarly, these women race through the tea bushes, gathering tender, fresh leaves that are processed into delectable drinks at the tea plant. The tea pluckers in the countryside eventually become indistinct outlines as the train ascends higher and higher.

The entrance to Sri Lanka’s hill country is Kandy

At 500 meters above sea level, Kandy—the final stronghold of Sri Lanka’s monarch—serves as the entry point to the country’s hilly area. Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most popular cities, is home to numerous popular tourist attractions. (A list of the top 14 attractions in Kandy) Despite foreign rule over the marine region during the Portuguese and Dutch eras, Kandy managed to hold onto its independence. The British force, supported by a few local and regional leaders, was too strong for the Kandy king to repel. In the end, the Sri Lankan monarchy came to an end when Kandy was given over to the British in 1815.

Kandy continues to be the Buddhists of Sri Lanka’s spiritual center. Kandy is surrounded by two impressive religious structures: the golden canopied dome of the Temple of the Tooth, which is situated next to the lake, and the towering white Buddha that watches over the city from the hills. Kandy is also known as the “milk sea” or lake of Kandy.

What is the highest point in the hill country of Sri Lanka?

At 8,280 feet above sea level, Pidurutalagala is the highest point in Sri Lanka’s hilly area. Four broad ledges of varying heights and several tall mountains, some rising as high as 5,000 to 8,000 feet above sea level, emerge sharply from the base of this massive upheaval. The Nuwara Eliya plain is located 200 feet below the highest peak, Pidurutalagala, which is 8,280 feet high.

It is located at the highest elevation and, broadly speaking, in the middle of the highlands. The residents of the low country use it as a sanatorium to replenish their lost energies; thus, what astonishment at its pure and unpolluted air and marvelous results on their depleted constitutions!

Features of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

The charming hill country features undulating tea farms, flowing waterfalls, charmingly situated hilltop communities, and mountains hidden in the mist. The island’s Hill Country reaches a height of 2524 meters above mean sea level, with Nuwara Eliya being the highest elevated city in Sri Lanka’s central mountains. The hill country is only a few hours’ drive from the nation’s commercial hub, Colombo, and is accessible by car or rail.

The beaches and other attractions of Sri Lanka’s low-elevation regions are most attractively contrasted with the country’s central highlands. The central highland spans 4,000 square miles and is one massive upheaval.

The hill country has an uneven surface made up of hills and peaks with different elevations, grassy plains and deep ravines, open valleys and dense forests, gentle streams and roaring cataracts, and twelve distinct climates, each with unique features of plant and animal life. These range from the gorgeous flowering shrubs and lofty palms of the lowest elevation to the hardwood trees and English flowers of the highest; from the cool areas favored by elk to the steaming haunts of monkeys.

What kinds of activities are there in the Sri Lankan Hill Country tours?

Climbing rocks
Hiking
Trekking
Playing golf
Riding a horse
cruising by boat
waterfall rappelling
Rafting on whitewater
Cycling in the mountains
observing birds
Investigating wildlife
Fishing

Sri Lanka’s Hill Country draws hundreds of nature enthusiasts with its dreamlike scenery, refreshing climate, and rich cultural legacy. It provides a plethora of engaging activities in a serene setting for adventure seekers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Time spent in the alluring hill country will revitalize the body and calm the soul, whether you choose to rock climb, go trout fishing, play golf on one of the most exquisite courses, visit a sacred site atop a mountain, or hike through the untamed nature.

A variety of climates and landscapes are available to accommodate all types of temperaments and preferences. From the most untamed wilderness to the most delightful rolling plains, there is something for everyone. Extreme sports enthusiasts can enjoy extreme sports, golf courses and trout fishing for more sedate pursuits, and those seeking a complete escape from everyday life can discover a whole new world.

Nuwara Eliya is a must in all Sri Lankan Hill Country tours

The stunning mountainous region reaches the highest point of Nuwara Eliya; it encompasses most of the productive Kotmale district as well as the entirety of Uda Dimbula, Uda Hewaheta, and Walapane. It includes almost all of the island’s climate variations within its bounds.

While the thermometer regularly drops below freezing on the plains of Nuwara Eliya during the coldest part of the year, rising early in the morning to see the spectacle of white frost covering the ground in all directions is refreshing, the heat in the valley of Maturata, particularly in Walapane, is particularly oppressive during almost the same period of the year.

The aforementioned country offers some of the island’s most exquisite and varied landscapes, including gently sloping grassy plains, forested areas, mountains, cliffs with awe-inspiring waterfalls, and occasionally a glimpse of a Mahaweli Ganga tributary.

Hills Country as a healthy resort

Both domestic and foreign visitors enjoy vacationing at Central Highland, the most well-known health resort. It claims to be well-developed to meet tourist demand and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The central highlands can be a peaceful and adventurous location. It may be utilized for adventure vacations at any time of year because it has a lot of mountains and cliffs, woods, slopes and ravines, caverns, streams, rivers, and waterfalls.

Trekking in the hilly country of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s hilly country is a popular destination for trekking vacations because of its profusion of mountains and valleys. Due to their abundance of hiking trails, Sri Lanka hill country resorts like Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and Bandarawela are often included on trekking tours. It is not difficult to find a suitable location for a nice trek and to experience a completely diverse landscape and some quite distinct hiking circumstances if one stays close to the well-known hill country resort of Nuwara Eliya.

The hilly terrain of Sri Lanka’s lower slopes, which flow down to the Indian Ocean, is typically warm and has virgin forests covering them. Although there is less extensive forest cover than in the lower levels, the higher ranges may have a colder climate. On the other hand, the lower and higher ranges of the Sri Lankan mountains provide excellent hiking in a mystical setting of tea plantations, waterfalls, rivers, woods, terraced rice paddies, and little villages interspersed with craggy mountains and deep gorges. The densely packed terrain might not provide more gentle trekking, and it can be somewhat difficult for beginners.

Traveling to Kandy on Sri Lankan Hill Country tours

The final kingdom of Sri Lanka, 500 meters above sea level, is surrounded by the scenic Kandy Lake and nestled among verdant mountains. It offers a wealth of natural and historical attractions. The center of the hill country is Kandy, a historic city that is also home to the island’s holiest temple, which houses the Buddha’s left eye-tooth. Due to its historical significance, Kandy, the final stronghold of the island’s colonial rulers, is now recognized as a World Heritage Site.

The majority of the population of Kandy is Buddhist, and the city is primarily inhabited by Buddhists. The historic section of the city and the lake region are home to a sizable number of Buddhist temples. In July or Esala, the city hosts the most exquisite spectacle in the nation. The historical pageant known as Esala ceremony attracts thousands of tourists from around the globe.

What are the 21 most significant places included in Sri Lankan Hill Country tours?

The 21 locations listed below are found in the hilly area of Sri Lanka. Most multi-day excursions to Sri Lanka include some of these locations. Some of the locations on this list, nevertheless, are inaccessible on typical multi-day excursions. These multi-day excursions, like the 7-day and 2-week tours of Sri Lanka, follow a pre-arranged path and include admission to all major tourist sites along the way. Because of the time needed to get there, the tourist site that is a little bit off the route is not included. You will be able to see many of the locations listed here, though, if you arrange a hill country trip in Sri Lanka that includes a few nights spent in a resort like Nuwara Eliya.

Temple of tooth relics
Orphanage for elephants
Botanical Garden of Peradeniya
Mount Pidurutalagala
Gregory Lake
Plantations that grow tea
National Park of Horton Plains
Tea factory/museum
Ravana rock
Pilkington Head
Temple Dowa
Adisham Cottage
Tangamale Natural Reserve
Ella Gap
Sendakatti Mountain
Adams Peak in Little Adams
Waterfall Ravana
Ramboda Waterfall
Pallewela Waterfall
Unknown waterfall
Nil Diya Pond,

Visiting elephant orphanage on Sri Lankan Hill Country tours

Traveling by car or rail to Kandy from Colombo offers wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. The elephant orphanage on the semi-solitary Colombo-Kandy highway is a must-see. With more than 80 members, it is the home of the largest herd of elephants in the world.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden, a trip of the hill country

Situated somewhat beyond the city center are the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, another popular destination in the area. It is situated in a serene area next to the powerful Mahaweli Ganga, Sri Lanka’s longest river, and is home to an astounding variety of native and foreign species.

Situated in the center of the southern hill country, Nuwara Eliya is the highest elevated city in Sri Lanka and was the most popular hill station during British control. The city is referred to as “little England” by the locals because of its weather, which is somewhat similar to that of Scotland, its historic buildings designed in the colonial style, its 18-hole golf course, Victoria Park, a racetrack, and the great fishing that can be found in the lakes and rivers that surround the city.

Gregory Lake: a trip of the hill country

During the night, the temperature can drop to almost freezing, and smoke is frequently seen rising from the chimneys of the many homes built in the Tudor style. Gregory Lake and its environs make excellent bases from which to explore the surrounding countryside. Hiking, mountain climbing, and walking trails wind through numerous plantations, forests, and mountain escapements.

The Gregory Lake Esplanade is the best spot in Nuwara Eliya to take in the tranquil atmosphere of the town. A well-kept promenade comprises grassy areas for leisure, flower gardens, and retail establishments. There are numerous garden benches and a few play spaces on Gregory Lake Esplanade. The large garden offers plenty of space for a picnic lunch, dinner, or snack on the shore. It is completely exposed to Gregory Lake.

Visiting Ashok Vatika on Sri Lankan Hill Country tours

A fantastic location for learning about the plants and animals of montane forests is the surrounding forest and Mount Piduruthalagala. Ashok Vatika, also called Haggala Botanical Gardens, has an amazing assortment of flowers in the hills and is only 9 km away from the city.

Tea plantation: during a trip of Sri Lanka’s hill country

Since trekking through tea plantations and seeing tea factories are synonymous with upcountry Sri Lanka, hill country vacations would not be complete without them. Tea plantations blanket much of the slopes of Sri Lanka.

The undulating tea farms that envelop enormous stretches of land in an emerald sea are among the hill country’s most recognizable scenes. In the undulating tea fields, women in vibrant saris look like vibrant butterflies from a distance. They stroll by the tea bushes, picking the golden tips of the branches and tossing them into baskets draped on their backs. Tea is a major industry in Sri Lanka and contributes significantly to the country’s economy. Twenty percent of the labor force in the nation is employed by it.

The tea industry flourished in this region more than anywhere else after it was introduced in the late 19th century. Ceylon tea is now regarded as the best in the world, and the mountains’ warm daytime temperatures and chilly, misty evenings provide the ideal conditions for growing tea of the highest caliber. In a premier tea factory, one may witness the entire tea-making process in action. Harvested tea is dried, crushed, fermented, and fired using equipment that has essentially not changed since the Victorian era.

Horton Plains National Park: during a trip across Sri Lanka’s highlands

Horton Plains National Park, characterized by level grasslands encircled by a cloud forest, is aptly named “wonderland in the mountains.” Most excursions in Sri Lanka’s hilly area often include a stop at one of the island’s last mountain forests.

Horton Plains National Park is richly embellished by mother nature with lakes, perennial streams, waterfalls, animals, birds, and several other kinds of Fauna. It also contains a sizable amount of woodland and grassland. Both residents and visitors from other countries frequent the park. Situated 2300 meters above sea level, this intriguing forest section is not missed by most visitors to Nuwara Eliya.

Its temperate climate is similar to Nuwara Eliya’s, although significantly milder. The natural beauty of Horton Plains National Park is abundant and intimately related to its flora and fauna. A lengthy hike through the mountains, grasslands, streams of water, and woodland leads to an area of uncharted natural beauty that is exclusive to this biological setting.

Horton Plains, one of the island’s most stunning national parks, is also one of the few that permits strolling for visitors. This is the place to go on a walking safari. With its profusion of valleys, mountains, beautiful skies, and rich green foliage, Horton Plains is a veritable wonderland.

Ella: on the hill country travel package of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was formerly known as “paradise island” and “Pearl in the Orient,” meaning that whoever coined those terms had not taken it lightly. If you’re looking for stunning locations to take in the kind of surreal, dreamlike scenery you see in travel documentaries or on television, Ella is a great option. To learn more about Ella, click this link.

Picturesque train journey across the hill country

The breathtaking hill country train ride passes through sloping tea gardens, remote settlements, foggy hills, and splotches of forest. One of the main hubs for Sri Lankan railways is Kandy, where most tourists begin their hill country train journeys. The Kandy railway station was constructed in the 1860s during the British Colonial era; it has hardly changed from its original design and still retains many of its original colonial features. When the train moves, it leaves Kandy and travels more east and south into the higher, elevated regions of the hill country. Numerous well-known hill country destinations, including Hatton and Nanu-Oya, are passed by the train. Even though there are only 164 kilometers between Kandy and Ella, the trip takes roughly 6 hours. The locomotive is unable to maintain its steady speed because of the mountain peaks it must pass over.

The train route passes through numerous mountains that were once pierced by colonial rulers, who turned them into tunnels. The train is also slowing down because of the track’s hairpin bends. The travelers begin to see colorful vistas, dense woods, and mountainous terrain a little while after leaving Kandy, but remember that the best is still to come. The environment and landscape begin to drastically alter as you enter the Nuwara Eliya district, around an hour’s drive from Kandy. As the train begins to climb the mountain, it slows down. For the remainder of the trip, you will see tea plantations, stunning vistas, mountain valleys, and gorgeous panoramas.

The train has reached the highest point of the hill country track, which is approximately 100 meters above sea level. Travelers heading to Nuwara Eliya should disembark at Nanu Oya railway station and travel a few kilometers to reach the city. The station is sandwiched between Kandy and Ella railway stations. A few kilometers away from the Nanu Oya train station, travelers may see a stunning Elgin fall in the surrounding valley. At an elevation of 1907 feet, the train reaches the highest point of the hill country rail track. After that, Ell is reached via a gradual descent.

Hill country resort of Ella

You will hike through Ella’s picturesque countryside as part of your local tour and get a view of the valley’s bottom. The stunning hike will delight you with its rivers, waterfalls, virgin forest cover, melodious bird life, and abundant blooms. Talk to your guide, who is a member of the local community. This is a great chance to learn about the problems that people confront on a daily basis, as well as about the customs and characteristics of traditional village life. Hiking is a great way to establish a connection with the natural world.

Ella, the Sri Lankan Hill Country’s backpacking paradise

Adventure seekers are keeping an eye on Elle, one of the most picturesque locations with a plethora of adventure tourism destinations. Since Ella is a location for a variety of activities like hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, and rainforest exploration, Ella is featured on the majority of hill country trips in Sri Lanka.

Exploring Ella’s Waterfalls

Ella is a well-liked mountain getaway in Sri Lanka, particularly for visitors from overseas. Numerous fascinating sports, like hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, jungle trekking, and bird viewing, are popular on Ella’s difficult terrain. You can visit numerous waterfalls, including Pallewela waterfall, if you can extend your Ella trip to include more than two days.

Ella is one of the greatest locations for you if you are attracted by waterfalls, especially gorgeous waterfalls. Ella is teeming with waterfalls. There are numerous waterfalls in Ella, some of which are well-known in Sri Lanka, including the Ravana and Dunhinda waterfalls. Ella provides guests with amazing views in addition to waterfalls, caverns, trekking, and hiking paths. On a clear day, Ella’s vista stretches all the way up to the south coast, and it’s just breathtaking. To learn more about Sri Lankan waterfalls, see this link.

Pallewela Waterfall

The Ravana waterfall is only one of the numerous stunning waterfalls in and around Ella. Travelers are unaware of a few of the waterfalls, like Pallewela Ella. Alikote Ella, also known as Pallewela Ella (Pallewela waterfall), is a lesser-known tourist destination in Ella. The majority of tourists to Ella overlook this stunning waterfall. That being said, Ella’s tourist resort is easily accessible from this stunning waterfall. The Ella-Wellawaya route only travels ten kilometers to the Waterfall from Ella. One of the area’s most exquisite waterfalls is Pallewela Ella.

Secret waterfall

Another undiscovered gem is the hidden waterfall. Similar to Pallewela Waterfall, not many tourists that visit Ella are aware of it. The Karandagolla region is home to the hidden Ella and Pallewela Waterfalls. But getting to both waterfalls requires a good bit of hiking, which might be taxing for certain individuals.

Nil Diya Pokuna

A popular tourist destination, Nildiya Pokuna is located off the Ella-Wellawaya major road on the Rakkitha road. If you have the time, it is worthwhile to visit this historic landmark while in Ella. This kind of tourist attraction is uncommon, partly because some individuals find it confining. In order to get to Nildiya Pokuna, the travelers must crawl through the small tunnel. Nildiya Pokuna is concealed within a cave that is accessible via a slender tunnel. Some travelers find visiting Nildiya Pokuna to be a terrifying experience, while others find it to be fascinating and magical.

Ramboda Waterfall

One of Sri Lanka’s most exquisite waterfalls, Ramboda Falls, is located in Kandy’s Pussellawa area. The Ramboda plateau is traversed by the Rmboda Falls. Ramboda is located on the hill country route in Sri Lanka, halfway between Nuwara Eliya and Kandy. There are numerous tea plantations and a sizable amount of forest cover in this region. Because there aren’t many structures in Ramboda and the surrounding area, visitors can only observe the lush vegetation while they are there. Ramboda is home to a wide variety of topographical features, including mountains, valleys, enormous rock formations, rivers, waterfalls, and flat areas.

Ramboda is Sri Lanka’s eleventh-highest waterfall, at 358 feet. The steady, chilly winds create a stunning scene against the sky, as the steps of the rocks fall like ivory waterfalls. The 500 meters of descent required to reach the waterfall are moderate and can be completed swiftly by anyone. Ramboda Falls has a warm, inviting environment and vibrant scenery that are sure to keep visitors interested and moving!

In addition, Ramboda offers breathtaking views and unique birds singing in the dense woodlands. All things considered, seeing Ramboda Falls will transport you to a natural refuge. Awe-inspiring sounds are produced by the flowing streams as they crackle against the rocks. people of Pussellawa, a central Sinhala province, have kind hearts and are always willing to welcome visitors. Ramboda falls offers a unique opportunity to enjoy nature and is remote from commercialization!

Climbing rocks in Sri Lanka’s highland area near Ravana Rock

The famous Ramayana epic mentions the nearby old Ravana rock temple, Ravana Ella Cave, and Ravana Falls. Ella is considered as the location where King Ravana concealed Princess Sita, the wife of King Rama, after she was kidnapped.

Ella hiking destinations: Little Adam’s Peak

For those who find that climbing Adam’s Peak Mountain is too strenuous, this is the best substitute. The peak was given the name Little Adam’s Peak because it resembles Adam’s Peak exactly. From the top of the mountain, there is an amazing view of Ella Gap. Ella makes it easy to access the climb, which takes approximately one hour. Drive 12 kilometers to reach the start of the climb by following the route that heads east from Ella. To learn more about Adam’s peak, click this link.

Sri Lanka’s hill country attractions: Adorable Ella Gap

The deepest gorge on the island of Sri Lanka is called Ella Gap. Ella’s gap stretches over 10 kilometers and is over 100 meters deep. On bright, sunny days, Ella offers a stunning perspective over the southern region of Sri Lanka, which is low-elevated. There are several treks in Ella that offer the chance for an enjoyable, low-stress experience.

Tour in the hill country of Sri Lanka: visiting on an Ella market

Every Wednesday morning, the weekly market kick-off on the Passara-Ella main road brings a vibrant, crowded, and exhilarating atmosphere to the sleepy, distant, tiny city of Ella. Farmers and villages wake up excitedly on market day. Farmers come here to sell their wares, while communities come together to harvest fruits, vegetables, and other necessities for the family.

Several brightly attired women are assembling beside the road with their wares, competing to offer the best deal. The weekly market provides the fresh produce and fruits that the Ella lodging establishments mostly use to prepare home-cooked meals for its visitors.

Trekking in the mountains of Sri Lanka: Pilkington Point

This is a vista that is situated in Bandarawela. It allows you to see low, high southern Sri Lanka from above. The well-known English landowner George Pilkington is the source of the name “Pilkington Point.” The small route that leads to the summit can be found after traveling several kilometers on the Bandarwela-Koslanda road. The viewpoint is roughly thirty minutes away and requires a journey on a designated trail.

Temple in the hill country of Sri Lanka: Dowa temple

The Dowa temple is thought to have started during the Anuradhapura kingdom’s last stages. However, other academics claim that it dates back to the first century BC. In addition to being ancient, the temple is a well-liked place of worship in Bandarawela. There are numerous Buddha paintings and statues housed at the temple. The image house, a massive natural cave that houses some exquisite religious paintings and Buddha statues, is thought to have been King Walagambahu’s hiding spot in the first century BC. The enormous granite Buddha statue, partially built atop a monolithic rock, is one of the temple’s main attractions.

Adisham Bungalow is a colonial hillside bungalow.

A pioneering planter of British descent resides at the expansive castle known as Adisham Bungalow. With a gorgeous view over the mountains, a lower elevated area with an escapement, and a tea plantation, it is ideally situated on a mountain.

Every tourist to Haputale should take in the breathtaking view from the palace. The palace was constructed using imported materials and is designed in the English style. The laborers were recruited from England and India to ensure that they were of the highest caliber. The palace’s surroundings are incredibly serene and tranquil. There are no people living within a few kilometers of its boundaries, and it is mostly covered in forests and plantations. To learn more about Adisham bungalow, see this link.

Examining the flora and fauna of Sri Lanka’s hill country

Adisham Bungalow can be found just in front of the Tangamale Nature Reserve. The distance from Haputale City is roughly 5 km. This woodland patch includes a portion of secondary forest, which is home to pine trees. The ancient forest, which originated many millennia ago, makes up the remaining portion of the forest. The 131 hectares of forest make a convenient location for a pleasant hike. Here, one can observe numerous animal species as well as numerous species of butterflies. It is also a highly-liked natural reserve for avian enthusiasts.

Trekking in Sri Lanka’s highland terrain up the Sendakatti mountain

In addition, the Mountain of Sendakatti offers a pleasant hike in a lovely, somewhat forested setting. The healing climate here is cool, so you won’t feel fatigued. Before clouds and mist appear in the early morning, the view is at its best. The hike is located above the Haputale Gap, close to Haputale Town.

On Visiting Ravana waterfalls on Sri Lankan Hill Country tours

Situated between Ella and the southern coast of Sri Lanka, the Ravana waterfall is another well-liked tourist destination. A few kilometers south of Ella Mountain Resort, on the main Ella-Wellawaya road, is where you’ll find the waterfall.

In comparison to many other waterfalls on the island, Ravana waterfall is narrower than others, but its height more than makes up for it. The Ravana waterfall is about 500 meters high, even though it only stretches a few meters across the granite wall. But because of the swollen incoming water stream during the monsoon, it widens by around three times.

All year long, visitors may witness an amazing volume of water cascading over the falls. The major Ella-Wellawaya road is directly across from the waterfall. Beneath the Ella bridge, the road is torn through by the waterfall. When traveling along this road, a lot of people remember to stop at the waterfalls because, well, it’s hard to miss the breathtaking scenery. The Ravana waterfall can only be viewed from the Ella Bridge.

Hill country destinations in Sri Lanka: Lipton Seat

popular hill country resort of Haputale, Sri Lanka, is located on the Nuwara Eliya-Wellawaya route a few kilometers south of Ell. Vegetable gardens and tea plantations predominate in this mountainous hill country resort. Situated inside a tea plantation, Lipton Seat is a popular tourist destination in Haputale. It takes around an hour to travel and thirty minutes to hike to Lipton’s seat. Perched atop the mountain, Lipton’s Seat offers an amazing vantage point over the surroundings. The renowned Thomas Lipton is the source of both the tea plantation’s name and the vista. In 1890, Thomas Lipton arrived in Sri Lanka during the British colonial era and entered the tea trade. He is one of the island’s relatively few tea planters.

Sri Lanka’s top tourist destinations for hill country tours

The aforementioned top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, along with Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Horton Plains, are all included in this hill country itinerary. Many travelers requested that we arrange this upcountry tour of Sri Lanka so they may visit the hill country vacation spots.

The majority of hill country trips in Sri Lanka take a slightly different route.

Tours to Sri Lanka often begin in Colombo, but upon request, they can also begin on the beaches of the west and south coast. Kandy is the starting point for hill country travels in Sri Lanka. 500 meters are above sea level in Kandy.

Tours of Sri Lanka’s hill country that stop in Nuwara Eliya

The tourists go to Nuwara Eliya along winding roads that snake through a magnificent high plateau on a hilly country journey departing from Kandy. The city enjoys a year-round warm climate and is encircled by mountain ranges. One of the most picturesque cities on the island is Nuwara Eliya, which is also home to the most well-liked hill country resort.

How long is the hill country tour?

The length of your hill country vacation in Sri Lanka is mostly determined by your budget and availability of time. For example, it is advised to schedule a one-week Sri Lanka hill region trip if you have unlimited money and plenty of free time. However, you can shorten the hill country visit if you’re on a tight schedule or budget. An itinerary for a Sri Lanka hill country tour can be set up for one, two, or three days, or it can be extended for as long as you like.

Day 1 Colombo-Kandy: Route through Sri Lanka’s hill country

Drive to Kandy, which is regarded as the center of Sri Lankan culture, after meeting with a Seerendipity Tours representative at the airport or hotel in Colombo. While traveling, you will pass through beautiful rural areas; but, the tour will immediately encounter numerous bustling towns where you will have to navigate packed cars and throngs of people. Nonetheless, the road gets smoother and faster the farther you get from Colombo.

The Pinnawala elephant orphanage is the first stop on the hill country tour, which takes around three hours to complete. You begin your trek to a spice garden after seeing Pinnawala. Proceed to the hotel in Kandy for check-in and leisure after the spice garden.

Visit the Kandyan cultural show in the afternoon, then attend the tooth relic temple ceremony in the evening.

Day 2: Kandy-Nuwara Eliya itinerary: Sri Lanka’s hill country

After a leisurely breakfast, travel to the Nuwara Eliya hotel, stopping along the way to tour a tea mill and plantation. One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Sri Lanka’s central highlands is the Ramboda waterfall, which is accessible via climb from the tea factory to the Ramboda plateau.

By midday, you will arrive in Nuwara Eliya, check into your hotel, and rest for a bit before going to Horton Plains National Park and beginning an hour-long hike in the forest.

Visit the Sita temple, Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and the Nuwara Eliya market on the evening sightseeing trip of Nuwara Eliya.

Day 3 Nuwara Eliya-Ella: Hill Country Tour of Sri Lanka

Experience one of the most breathtaking train rides in the world when you board the Ella-bound train from Nuwara Eliya. Visit the Ravana waterfalls, Ella Rock, and the miniature Adam’s Peak during your afternoon excursions.

Day 4 Ella-Colombo: Route via Sri Lanka’s high country

After breakfast, head for your Colombo hotel. Along the way, enjoy some whitewater rafting and a rainforest hike in Kitulagala. You’ll arrive at your hotel in the afternoon.

Reasons to pick Seerendipity for your Sri Lankan Hill Country tours

Seerendipity Tour is a travel agency based in Colombo that is fully owned by locals. One of Seerendipity Tours’ greatest assets is its highly skilled local team, which can tailor your ideal Sri Lankan vacation.

Get the lowest rate for your Sri Lankan Hill Country tours

There are no intermediaries when you book a trip with Seerendipity Tours, so you can be sure to get the best deal. You book the tour directly with the local firm. Just contact us and let us know your preferred destinations and times of travel.

Plan the perfect Sri Lankan Hill Country tours with a professional

You can modify the customized itinerary that our experts creates for you until you discover the ideal Sri Lanka travel package. For further ideas, peruse our pre-made trip packages at www.sirilaktours.com; each one is adaptable and may be customized to match your exact requirements. Please contact us by phone at admin@seerendipitytours.com. 0094-77-440977, 0094-77-4440977 on WhatsApp

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